Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has already dropped a major hint that he will walk away from St James' Park this month.

Dubravka, speaking to the VAR podcast at the end of last month, said that he felt that his time on Tyneside was naturally winding down with no contract offer on the table. Dubravka said: "Nobody has spoken to me about a contract extension yet, so I feel my phase is slowly coming to an end. I'm going to take it a bit more emotionally because seven years at one club is a long time.

"Everybody knows me here, I know everybody here. My children were born here. If it has to end, I will accept it. What else is left for me. But it won't be an easy departure."

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Dubravka is set for fresh talks with Newcastle next week on the situation. The Magpies are very much at a crossroads with long-serving stopper Dubravka this month.

Even when Dubravka was allowed to leave Newcastle in 2022 to join Manchester United, Eddie Howe told him the door would be open to him. Howe rates Dubravka highly and has made it clear that despite signing John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachomidos in the summer, he would be the man between the posts if Nick Pope picked up an injury.

Howe had said on Friday: "The situation with Martin is, we would not want him to leave but of course you have to respect and understand the player’s wishes as well in this. It’s not as clear-cut as everyone would necessarily have you think.

"Martin is out-of-contract as well in the summer so that is a different dynamic to add into the mix. It’s all hypothetical.
"Martin is and has been fully committed, I think he’s been outstanding and a brilliant professional to work with. I’ve got a lot of respect for him and I think he’s done really well when you consider he didn’t play a lot of football when coming into the team. Fair to play him and how he’s handled that situation."

With an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab on the table, the other alternative for Newcastle is to extend Dubravka's current deal beyond its end of June expiry date. At 36, that would be a big call but Newcastle are also wary that the goalkeeper's calmness with the gloves could be crucial if the Magpies are to make it to the Carabao Cup final with Pope doubtful for both semi-finals as things stand.

Key dates in the diary

Newcastle United chiefs have dates in the diary to to discuss new contracts with talented trio Sven Botman, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento.

Botman is not focused on contract talks right now after just returning from a serious knee injury but the club's hierarchy don't need reminding he is down to just two years of his existing deal and an improved run between now and the end of the season could get heads turning again. Chronicle Live understands that Chelsea were keen on Botman before he suffered an ACL last term.

Hall and Livramento's progress has been nothing short of sensational in the last 12 months or so. Both have long contracts until 2028 but arrived as players with potential but they have now cemented their places in Eddie Howe's starting XI.

Their progress can be underlined by the fact that seasoned England international Kieran Trippier has slipped behind Livramento and Hall's place is secure at left-back regardless of the return of Botman. Only last season Dan Burn was shunted to left-back to accommodate the Dutchman.

But there is little chance of Hall, now a fully fledged England star, sitting on the sidelines for the lad from Blyth. Burn's terrific form has even led to a change in system to accommodate all of Howe's defensive lynchpins.

However, with Fabian Schar suspended for the next two games, the head coach has been offered some respite with his thoughts on selection. Either way, keeping the likes of Botman, Hall and Livramento happy over the next five years or so could be the making of Newcastle.

Kevin Keegan has open invite back to St James' Park from Eddie Howe

There was plenty of talk of Keegan returning for the Liverpool game earlier in the season but in the end the legendary manager's absence from St James' Park continue. Make no doubt about it, Keegan's return to Gallowgate will raise the roof when it eventually happens.

The man who created the Entertainers has featured heavily on the club's channels this week after the relaunch of the old grandad collar shirt was announced by Adidas.

Keegan controversially left Newcastle during the Mike Ashley era and his only appearance at St James' since then was when the ex-England star slipped in under cover for a colleague's leaving party.

Keegan said then: "The only time I have made an exception [to go back] came after an invitation to a private function at St James’ Park one night when there was no football on. It was a leaving do for a lifelong Newcastle fan.

"My first response was to send my apologies and explain it would be impossible for me to attend. Then I started feeling bad because the guy was leaving for a new life in America and I knew everyone wanted to be there for his send-off.

"I improvised, I put on a pair of glasses, I found a flat cap and I turned up the collar on my overcoat to complete the disguise."

After Ashley left, Keegan was approached by the new regime but wanted to keep a low profile and not be the centre of attention. Howe, who many have compared with KK, would love the ex-boss back at the training ground or to get the ovation he deserves on the pitch.

It is very much a case of getting the timing right for Keegan's return and while the door has not been shut from the Messiah's end, Howe has made it clear the invitation is very much open and available at any time.